Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>In late 2018, there were reports that French beauty retailer <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> had <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/e67c6854-f276-11e8-9623-d7f9881e729f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drawn interest</a> from Advent International. That rumour came to naught. </li>
<li>Similarly, late last month, L'Occitane <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2023/0727/2023072700083.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clarified media reports</a> that it had not received any Offer or proposal. </li>
<li>After going into a <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2023/0809/2023080900103.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trading halt</a> this morning, reportedly (<a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/loccitane-owner-advanced-talks-take-it-private-sources-2023-08-09/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reuters</a>) Chairman Reinold Geiger has been discussing a possible offer of ~HK$35 for each L'Occitane share he doesn't already own.</li>
</ul>


In late 2018, there were reports that French beauty retailer L'Occitane (973 HK) had drawn interest from Advent International. That rumour came to naught. 
Similarly, late last month, L'Occitane clarified media reports that it had not received any Offer or proposal. 
After going into a trading halt this morning, reportedly (Reuters) Chairman Reinold Geiger has been discussing a possible offer of ~HK$35 for each L'Occitane share he doesn't already own.


L'Occitane (973 HK): Ripe for a Makeover?

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-09/l-occitane-boss-is-said-in-advanced-talks-on-6-5-billion-buyout?in_source=embedded-checkout-banner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Bloomberg</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> is set to receive a HK$35 per share privatisation offer from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder.</li>
<li>The rumoured price is attractive and represents an all-time high share price. Therefore, Acatis KVG, the shareholder with a blocking stake, would be supportive.</li>
<li>The rumoured price implies multiples at a discount to peer multiples, which explains Mr Geiger’s ambitions for a possible European listing to secure higher valuation multiples. </li>
</ul>



According to Bloomberg, L'Occitane (973 HK) is set to receive a HK$35 per share privatisation offer from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder.
The rumoured price is attractive and represents an all-time high share price. Therefore, Acatis KVG, the shareholder with a blocking stake, would be supportive.
The rumoured price implies multiples at a discount to peer multiples, which explains Mr Geiger’s ambitions for a possible European listing to secure higher valuation multiples. 


L’Occitane (973 HK): HK$35 Offer from the Controlling Shareholder?

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> is drawing takeover interest from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-25/l-occitane-owner-said-to-mull-buyout-of-4-billion-beauty-firm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Bloomberg</a>. Mr Geiger has been exploring financing options for the potential deal.</li>
<li>The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder, Acatis KVG, necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Acatis KVG trimmed its stake in July 2021 at HK$30.01 per share.</li>
<li>L’Occitane released a solid <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2023/0725/2023072500263.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1QFY2024 update</a> today with constant currency growth of 24.5% YoY. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the valuation is undemanding compared to peer multiples. </li>
</ul>



L'Occitane (973 HK) is drawing takeover interest from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder, according to Bloomberg. Mr Geiger has been exploring financing options for the potential deal.
The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder, Acatis KVG, necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Acatis KVG trimmed its stake in July 2021 at HK$30.01 per share.
L’Occitane released a solid 1QFY2024 update today with constant currency growth of 24.5% YoY. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the valuation is undemanding compared to peer multiples. 


L’Occitane (973 HK): Controlling Shareholder Mulling a Bid?

<ul>
<li>From 2018 onward, French beauty retailer <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> has apparently drawn interest from the likes of Advent International and its controlling shareholder Chairman Reinold Geiger - amongst others. </li>
<li>There is substance to these "Offers" - Geiger confirmed in August 2023 he was contemplating a conditional voluntary general Offer. He holds <a href="https://di.hkex.com.hk/di/NSForm3A.aspx?fn=DA20240205E00172&amp;sa2=as&amp;sid=45406&amp;corpn=L%27Occitane+International+S.A.&amp;sd=07%2f02%2f2023&amp;ed=07%2f02%2f2024&amp;cid=0&amp;sa1=cl&amp;scsd=07%2f02%2f2023&amp;sced=07%2f02%2f2024&amp;sc=973&amp;src=MAIN&amp;lang=EN&amp;g_lang=en&amp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">72.65%</a> of shares out according to the HKEx. </li>
<li>The latest news, with no definitive source, is that Blackstone is mulling the possibility of teaming up with Geiger on a buyout.</li>
</ul>


From 2018 onward, French beauty retailer L'Occitane (973 HK) has apparently drawn interest from the likes of Advent International and its controlling shareholder Chairman Reinold Geiger - amongst others. 
There is substance to these "Offers" - Geiger confirmed in August 2023 he was contemplating a conditional voluntary general Offer. He holds 72.65% of shares out according to the HKEx. 
The latest news, with no definitive source, is that Blackstone is mulling the possibility of teaming up with Geiger on a buyout.


<ul>
<li>I tally 49 - mostly firm, mostly Asia-Pac - transactions currently being discussed and analysed on Smartkarma. Inside is a timetable of upcoming key events for each deal.</li>
<li>Three new deals discussed this week on Smartkarma: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/samson-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2767:1" rel="noopener">Samson Holding (531 HK)</a>'s Scheme, and VTOs for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/advanced-info-service-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:947:1" rel="noopener">Advanced Info Service (ADVANC TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/thaicom-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18019:1" rel="noopener">Thaicom Pcl (THCOM TB)</a>.</li>
<li>Key updates took place on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/capitol-health-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14504:1" rel="noopener">Capitol Health (CAJ AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alumina-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:939:1" rel="noopener">Alumina (AWC AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ansarada-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30718:1" rel="noopener">Ansarada (AND AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-traditional-chinese-medicine" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:351:1" rel="noopener">TCM (570 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cpmc-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10427:1" rel="noopener">CPMC  (906 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fancl-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15862:1" rel="noopener">Fancl (4921 JP)</a>,and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hollysys-automation-technologies" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26078:1" rel="noopener">Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US)</a>.</li>
</ul>


I tally 49 - mostly firm, mostly Asia-Pac - transactions currently being discussed and analysed on Smartkarma. Inside is a timetable of upcoming key events for each deal.
Three new deals discussed this week on Smartkarma: Samson Holding (531 HK)'s Scheme, and VTOs for Advanced Info Service (ADVANC TB) and Thaicom Pcl (THCOM TB).
Key updates took place on Capitol Health (CAJ AU), Alumina (AWC AU), Ansarada (AND AU), TCM (570 HK), CPMC  (906 HK), Fancl (4921 JP),and Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US).


(Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: AIS/Thaicom, Capitol Health, Alumina, Ansarada, TCM, CPMC, Fancl, Hollysys

Hong Kong

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited retails jewelry.  The Company sells rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and small statues.  Chow Tai Fook Jewellery operates retail stores in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited retails jewellery. The Company engages in the sourcing, designing, wholesaling and retailing of a variety of platinum and gold jewellery, gold ornaments, gem-set jewellery, natural jadeites, gemstones, and other related products. Luk Fook offers its products in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Macau, Singapore, the United States and Canada.

Chow Sang Sang Holdings International Limited manufactures and retails gold and gem-set jewelry products.  The Company also retails watches, wholesales precious metals, invests in real estate, provides securities and commodity brokerage services, and trades in gold bullion.

Pou Sheng International (Holdings) Limited retails and wholesales sportswear, including sports footwear, apparel and accessories.

Dickson Concepts (International) Limited, through its subsidiaries, sells watches and fashion products.  The Company also trades luxury goods, and provides management and technical services.

Symphony Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and trades footwear products.  The Company also invests in properties.

Giordano International Limited, through its subsidiaries, retails and distributes casual apparel and accessories under theGiordano, Giordano Ladies, Giordano Junior, BSX and Concepts One brands.

Sa Sa International Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, retails and wholesales cosmetics. The Company also provides beauty and health club services to members.

Glorious Sun Enterprises Limited, through its subsidiaries, retails and exports casual wear apparel.  The Company also manufactures casual wear products and trades fabric.

Oriental Watch Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, trades watches and invests in properties.

JB Hi-Fi Limited is a music and electronic goods retailer in Australia.  The Company operates stores at sites located in most Australian States.  Products include consumer electronics, car sound systems, music and DVDs.

ABC-MART, INC. plans, develops, wholesales, and retails shoes.  The Company also plans and develops brand name shoes such as VANS and G.T. HAWKINS.  ABC-Mart imports and wholesales shoes, apparel, bags, and sundries as well.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.  a specialty retailer that operates stores and direct-to-consumer operations. Through these channels, the Company sells: casual sportswear apparel, including knit and woven shirts, graphic t-shirts, fleece, jeans and woven pants, shorts, sweaters, and outerwear; personal care products; and accessories for men, women and kids.

HIKARI TSUSHIN, INC. is a mobile telecommunication service subscription agency. The Company also operates telecommunication services stores, HIT SHOP, which sell cellular telephones, and related goods.  Hikari Tsushin also sells office automation equipment and insurance.

Five Below, Inc. operates as a specialty value retailer. The Company offers products such as crafts, party, candy, sports, media, and seasonal products. Five Below serves its customers throughout the United States.

The Gap, Inc., is an international specialty retailer operating retail and outlet stores.  The Company sells casual apparel, accessories and personal care products for men, women, and children. The Gap operates stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Japan.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. operates retail stores and direct response, including a catalog and Web sites.  The Company's Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie retail concepts sell fashion apparel, accessories, and household and gift merchandise. Urban also designs and markets young women's casual wear which it provides to the Company's retail operations and sells to retailers worldwide.

RH distributes home furnishing products. The Company offers products such as furniture, lighting, textiles, bathware, decor, outdoor, and garden, as well as baby and child products. RH distributes its products through retail stores, catalogs, and websites.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. retails men's and women's casual apparel, footwear, outerwear, and accessories.  The Company's products include jeans, khakis, T-shirts, and other similar apparel.  American Eagle operates in the United States.

Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd. retails automobiles.  The Company imports and retails primarily luxury and mid- to high-end automobile brands.

L'Occitane International S.A. is a global, natural and organic ingredient based cosmetics and well-being products enterprise.  The Company designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of cosmetics and well-being products based on natural and organic ingredients sourced principally from or near Provence.

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L'Occitane (973 HK)

L'Occitane (973 HK): Ripe for a Makeover?

L'Occitane (973 HK) confirms its controlling shareholder is contemplating a conditional voluntary general offer - apparently, not a Scheme....

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Shares are currently in a trading halt. The rumoured offer price of HK$35 per share is attractive and represents an all-time high price. Therefore,...

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L’Occitane (973 HK): Controlling Shareholder Mulling a Bid?

The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the...

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L'Occitane (973 HK): Here We Go Again

On balance, an Offer will unfold. Expect an Offer price of at least HK$26/share. Timing is everything. This latest rumour may, again, come to...

David Blennerhassett

(Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: AIS/Thaicom, Capitol Health, Alumina, Ansarada, TCM, CPMC, Fancl, Hollysys

This insight provides a summary of gross/annualised spreads (on deals discussed on Smartkarma) across Asia-Pacific as at the last trading date, and...

David Blennerhassett

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